I recently wrote about Sonic's and Chili's response to Open Carry, precipitated by open carry of long arms in Texas. You can read their statements HERE and HERE. Chili's position is more or less in the middle, Sonic moves toward, but not quite to a total ban. And Chipotle's is basically a total ban, asking that customers "not bring guns into our restaurants", as noted below, unless you are an Only One.

In Mr. Arnold's stated welcoming "exchange of ideas and opinions", I have an idea for Chipotle's. Please don't put NO GUNS signs up. Those signs seem to be magnets for the lawbreakers. Another idea, by banning guns outright, you may have assumed all liability for violent acts towards your now disarmed customers. Just thinkin . . .

Now, to be sure that readers have correct information I posed this question to Chipotle -

Would you please provide me with information concerning your gun policy to share with my readers. I need primary source information to make sure I am quoting it accurately.

The issue of gun ownership or gun rights has become one of the most contentious debates in the country. Chipotle has never taken a position on this issue, as we focus instead on our mission to change the way people think about and eat fast food.

Recently participants from an “open carry” demonstration in Texas brought guns (including military-style assault rifles) into one of our restaurants, causing many of our customers anxiety and discomfort. Because of this, we are respectfully asking that customers not bring guns into our restaurants, unless they are authorized law enforcement personnel. (emphasis added)

Historically, we felt it enough to simply comply with local laws regarding the open or concealed carrying of firearms, because we believe that it is not fair to put our team members in the uncomfortable position of asking that customers refrain from bringing guns into our restaurants. However, because the display of firearms in our restaurants has now created an environment that is potentially intimidating or uncomfortable for many of our customers, we think it is time to make this request.

We acknowledge that there are strong arguments on both sides of this issue. We have seen those differing positions expressed in the wake of this event in Texas, where pro-gun customers have contacted us to applaud our support of the Second Amendment, and anti-gun customers have expressed concern over the visible display of military-style assault rifles in restaurants where families are eating. The vast majority of gun owners are responsible citizens and we appreciate them honoring this request. And we hope that our customers who oppose the carrying of guns in public agree with us that it is the role of elected officials and the legislative process to set policy in this area, not the role of businesses like Chipotle.

We always welcome the exchange of ideas and opinions: it is one of the many things that make our country such a special place. But this issue is not central to the operation of our business, and we do not feel that our restaurants should be used as a platform for either side of the debate.

A prudent person foresees danger and takes precautions. The simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences. Proverbs 22:3 (NLT)

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Disclaimer: The information and ideas presented in this column are provided for informational purposes only. Firearms, like cars, kitchen knives and life itself all can be dangerous. You should get professional training as part of any plan to use firearms for any purpose. I have made a reasonable, good-faith effort to assure that the content of this column is accurate. I have no control over what you do, and specifically accept no responsibility for anything you do as a result of reading my columns. Any action or lack of action on your part is strictly your responsibility.

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Liston Matthews has been involved in the gun rights movement since 1971. He was involved in passage of the Tennessee carry law, and its improvements. He has testified before local legislative bodies. He has contacted politicians and had numerous editorial letters published. He believes that politicians must be carefully vetted at the local level, because few change their positions when they move to higher office. He can be contacted at knoxgunexaminer@gmail.com.